Rep. Isaacson Comments on Air Force's Draft EIS

Published: June 3, 2013

Friday, May 31, 2013, North Pole, Alaska – Representative Doug Isaacson released the following statement today after reviewing the Air Force’s 226-page Eielson Draft Environmental Impact Statement which calls for the relocation of the F-16 Aggressor Squadron to Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, and downsizing Eielson Air Force Base.

“After reading the Executive Summary and having begun to wade through the associated EIS document and appendices, I want to join with Governor Parnell in promoting Alternative C – No Action,” Isaacson, R-North Pole, said. “Eielson AFB is strategically critical to the security needs of the United States in addressing challenges and threats in Pacific Asia and the Arctic.”

Isaacson represents Eielson AFB and is a member of the Veterans Caucus and Joint Armed Services Committee (JASC). JASC is scheduled to meet June 25 in Anchorage to discuss the EIS with consultants, Hyjex & Fix.

“I’m grateful that throughout the state we have had a unified front opposing the F-16 move. I urge the public and community leaders to voice continued opposition to any action that would strip Eielson of its critical mission,” Isaacson said. “I also strongly support any effort to create new missions that would move strategic assets and associated personnel to Eielson such as Governor Parnell’s suggestion to retain the 18th Aggressor Squadron at Eielson and relocate the 24 F-16 aircraft of the 480th Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Germany to become part of the 354th Fighter Wing.”